Location
Jim Henderson Welcome Center, Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University - Daytona Beach
Start Date
5-11-2014 10:30 AM
Abstract
Space exploration companies like XCOR Aerospace are changing how the National Airspace System (NAS) handles spaceflight operations. The emergence of the sub-orbital spaceflight marketplace has marked the beginning of routine reusable launch vehicle (RLV) traffic, and this is step toward the development of the global space transportation industry. Unfortunately, current regulations only allow spaceports to launch and land a sub-orbital RLV from a single facility. At this time, there are no regulations that address sub-orbital RLVs traveling point-to-point (PTP). Launch sites are licensed to conduct launch and return flights from a single facility because it allows system controllers to analyze the flight dynamics of various sub-orbital vehicles in a controlled environment before determining operational standards for full-on air and space traffic integration. Spaceports planning to launch XCOR Aerospace’s Lynx Mark II sub-orbital RLV, herein referred to as “the Lynx”, are located across the Unites States and internationally, but there are no regulations that connect these spaceports to create a network of sub-orbital flight terminals. Flight corridor determination and risk analysis methods for launching sub-orbital RLVs need to be expanded to address PTP operations. Additionally, an international body to regulate the global sub-orbital PTP transportation industry needs to be identified. A framework for launching the Lynx has been provided along with strategies for developing PTP operations.
Area of Interest
NAS Integration
Launching a Sub-Orbital Spacecraft
Jim Henderson Welcome Center, Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University - Daytona Beach
Space exploration companies like XCOR Aerospace are changing how the National Airspace System (NAS) handles spaceflight operations. The emergence of the sub-orbital spaceflight marketplace has marked the beginning of routine reusable launch vehicle (RLV) traffic, and this is step toward the development of the global space transportation industry. Unfortunately, current regulations only allow spaceports to launch and land a sub-orbital RLV from a single facility. At this time, there are no regulations that address sub-orbital RLVs traveling point-to-point (PTP). Launch sites are licensed to conduct launch and return flights from a single facility because it allows system controllers to analyze the flight dynamics of various sub-orbital vehicles in a controlled environment before determining operational standards for full-on air and space traffic integration. Spaceports planning to launch XCOR Aerospace’s Lynx Mark II sub-orbital RLV, herein referred to as “the Lynx”, are located across the Unites States and internationally, but there are no regulations that connect these spaceports to create a network of sub-orbital flight terminals. Flight corridor determination and risk analysis methods for launching sub-orbital RLVs need to be expanded to address PTP operations. Additionally, an international body to regulate the global sub-orbital PTP transportation industry needs to be identified. A framework for launching the Lynx has been provided along with strategies for developing PTP operations.
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